I know he isn't popular, but I enjoy his TMQ articles...
he does seem to hint that the pats do cheat early on, but still says even if they do, it isn't why they are good.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/28/u...riots-secret-to-success.html?rref=upshot&_r=0
But even the worst-case view of Belichick* ethics can’t account for his team’s dominance. Other N.F.L. coaches, owners and fans want to believe the Patriots win by cheating because they don’t want to admit how many things the team simply does better than other teams. Among them:
■ Smart drafting. While other N.F.L. clubs put together blockbuster trade-ups seeking publicity, the Patriots consistently trade down to stockpile picks. Belichick views the draft as a lottery — the more tickets, the better.
■ No general manager. At many N.F.L. clubs, the coach and general manager engage in conflict regarding who gets credit or takes blame. The Patriots avoid this distraction by not having a general manager.
■ Focus on the job. Over at division rival Buffalo, players openly denouncethe coaching staff (Mario Williams), rip into the officials (Nickell Robey) and have their agents call the front office to demand special treatment(Sammy Watkins). The last time a series of events like that happened under Belichick was — never.
■ Mechanized personalities. With the exception of Rob Gronkowski, Patriots tend not to say or do anything to seek attention. No matter how many points they win by, Patriots usually go out of their way to praise opponents. Ownership, coaches and players plainly despise the press corps, but would never be so ill-mannered as to say so. Politicians prepping for congressional committees should study New England news conferences.
■ Belichick could not possibly care less what anyone thinks of him. This is not a good character trait in a friend or public official. This works as an N.F.L. trait.
■ Opponent-specific game plans. The Jets have the league’s best run defense. Sunday, adjusting for sacks and scrambles, Josh McDaniels radioed in 59 passing plays and seven rushes. No N.F.L. team does a better job at tailoring tactics to the opponent.
■ Liberal arts or high education? Belichick is a graduate of Wesleyan. Matt Patricia, perhaps the league’s smartest defensive coordinator, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The owner Robert Kraft graduated from Columbia; and Jonathan Kraft, president of the team, from Williams. Belichick and the Patriots’ research director, Ernie Adams, met atPhillips Academy; Adams went on to Northwestern. Dallas Coach Jason Garrett went to Princeton, and Pittsburgh Coach Mike Tomlin to William & Mary — there are more well-educated personnel in N.F.L. management than might be guessed. But the Patriots are the top team in this regard.
■ Tom Brady. He’s always the first guy in the weight room. Brady has never thrown a public fit about less accomplished quarterbacks — Andy Dalton, Tony Romo — being paid more. With four rings, he appears totally focused on a fifth. Brady is a much better athlete than commonly understood — in the latest example, falling backward as he lofted a perfect touchdown pass to Gronkowski versus the Jets. And PSIcheated is such a motivator for him, Belichick* might have staged it.
Now here’s what T.M.Q. thinks is the most important distinction between the Patriots and the rest of the league: New England players are always moving.
For all the money and hype in the N.F.L., for all the year-round focus, it’s amazing how many downs feature at least one guy standing there doing nothing. Run back any snap of any team other than New England and look away from the ball — someone will be not pursuing, not blocking, just standing around watching. At New England, players never seem to stand around watching. Maybe Belichick gives them electric shocks if they don’t endlessly hustle. However accomplished, he gets more effort than any other N.F.L. coach.
he does seem to hint that the pats do cheat early on, but still says even if they do, it isn't why they are good.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/28/u...riots-secret-to-success.html?rref=upshot&_r=0
